Oak Blight
I recently found some good hunting grounds and the acorns where falling like crazy. I’ve heard about blight in oak trees and have never researched anything until now. There didn’t appear to be the noticeable spots on leaves as everything points to. I did however cut open an acorn and found that the entire center of acorn had a black looking oily substance to it. No smell. Just curious to what it may be. Thanks for anything at all!!!
I’m not sure how to upload a picture or I would for a better reference.
It sounds like the foliage looked normal for the time of year, so no good evidence of a foliage disease like bur oak blight. Was there any branch dieback?
The only symptom you describe is the black oily substance in the acorns. I don't have much experience with oak diseases, but that sounds unusual. It brings to mind drippy nut of oak (see Bacterial and Viral Diseases), although I'm not aware of the liquid ever being black in that disease.
If you reply, please let us know the general location and the species of oak if known. Feel free to post photos if you still have them, as the forum software is upgraded to allow that. Sorry for the delay in responding.